Public Employees

Elected Officials

There are nine elected officials in Spokane County including three County Commissioners. The elections are partisan and term length is four years.[13]

First

Last

Position

District

Term Expiration

Todd

Mielke

Commissioner

1

2012

Mark

Richard

Commissioner

2

2012

Al

French

Commissioner

3

2014

Vicki

Horton

Assessor

2014

Vicky

Dalton

Auditor

2014

Thomas

Fallquist

Clerk

2014

Steve

Tucker

Prosecuting Attorney

2014

Ozzie

Knezovich

Sheriff

2014

Rob

Chase

Treasurer

2014

Commissioner Richard is retiring and three candidates are running to replace him: On August 7, voters will choose between Democrat Daryl Romeyn, Republican Rob Chase, and Republican Shelly O’Quinn.[14]

Administrative Officials

The Board of Commissioners appoints a Chief Executive Officer to carry out the day to day operations of county governance. The current CEO is Mashell Farnell.[15]

Salaries

County Commissioners opted to trim nonunion employee benefits by requiring the employees to contribute more to their health and other benefits plans. Instead of having the county pay for all health and dental premiums, workers will now pay 5% of their costs and 10% for each family member.[16]

2009

26 positions were eliminated and 10 actual employees were let go while the highest paid officials received automatic pay raises. Each of the three County Commissioners had a 2009 salary of $93,000 along with a $595 a month car allowance. All other elected officials earn 95% of the salary for County Commissioners.[17]

Pensions

County Commissioners restored a 2.5% cost of living increase that was originally canceled based on advice from the state Department of Retirement Systems. They were told the move would not affect pensions and have since asked the state to pay the $325,000 cost of the decision.[18]

Emergency personnel

The Spokane County Sheriff is an elected official that serves a four year term. The current Sheriff is Ozzie Knezovich.[19]

The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for disaster preparation.[20]

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